From email from Reclamation (Erik Knight):
Gunnison Tunnel diversions will be increasing by 150 cfs on Monday, March 25. This will increase the total diversion from 400 cfs to 550 cfs. For this change in diversion, releases from the Aspinall Unit will remain constant at 1150 cfs. This will result in a drop in river flows of about 150 cfs downstream of the Tunnel
Flows in the lower Gunnison River are currently above the baseflow target of 1050 cfs. River flows are expected to remain above the baseflow target after this increase in Tunnel diversions.
Pursuant to the Aspinall Unit Operations Record of Decision (ROD), the baseflow target in the lower Gunnison River, as measured at the Whitewater gage, will be 1050 cfs for March through May.
Currently, Gunnison Tunnel diversions are 400 cfs and flows in the Gunnison River through the Black Canyon are around 670 cfs. After this release change Gunnison Tunnel diversions will be 550 cfs and flows in the Gunnison River through the Black Canyon will be near 520 cfs. Current flow information is obtained from provisional data that may undergo revision subsequent to review.
This scheduled release change is subject to changes in river flows and weather conditions. For questions or concerns regarding these operations contact:
Erik Knight at (970) 248-0629, e-mail eknight@usbr.gov